Notes on “We Believe: The Communion of Saints”

This week we move into the second half of our Worship series on the Apostle’s Creed called “We Believe.” During this time, we have been exploring one of the most common affirmations of faith, originating from some of the earliest Christians.

The “communion of saints” uses language that may seem unfamiliar to many ears, certainly those who have not been a part of a church tradition for most of their lives. We might understand this as an expression of community, something that I think is an essential to our faith and spirituality. But I suggest that a faith community is necessarily different from the many ways we experience other communities.

Hebrews 12:1-3 (CEB)

¹ So then, with endurance, let’s also run the race that is laid out in front of us, since we have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us. Let’s throw off any extra baggage, get rid of the sin that trips us up, ² and fix our eyes on Jesus, faith’s pioneer and perfecter. He endured the cross, ignoring the shame, for the sake of the joy that was laid out in front of him, and sat down at the right side of God’s throne.

³ Think about the one who endured such opposition from sinners so that you won’t be discouraged and you won’t give up.

Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5-8 (CEB)

³⁵ Jesus traveled among all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, announcing the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness. ³⁶ Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion for them because they were troubled and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷ Then he said to his disciples, “The size of the harvest is bigger than you can imagine, but there are few workers. ³⁸ Therefore, plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out workers for his harvest.”

¹ He called his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to throw them out and to heal every disease and every sickness.

⁵ Jesus sent these twelve out and commanded them, “Don’t go among the Gentiles or into a Samaritan city. ⁶ Go instead to the lost sheep, the people of Israel. ⁷ As you go, make this announcement: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ ⁸ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with skin diseases, and throw out demons. You received without having to pay. Therefore, give without demanding payment.

Consider these questions:

1. What kinds of things have you heard people say about church? Consider voices of people who are regular church participants, and also people who do not usually participate in church. What are similarities? What are differences?
2. What do you say about church? What are its positives? What are its negatives?
3. How does being a part of the church make a difference in your life? In your community?
4. When you invite people to church, what do you tell them about why they should come?
5. Do you think church is more of a spiritual gathering? More of a social gathering? Both? If you think it’s both, which of these two seems more prevalent? Why?